McLear's Cottage Colony and Campground, Hammond, NY

Introduction / Overview

For generations of New Yorkers seeking the ultimate lakeside vacation, McLear's Cottage Colony and Campground on the shores of Black Lake has been a beloved tradition. Situated in the scenic North Country, in St. Lawrence County, this family-owned operation boasts a history spanning nearly 90 years, cultivating an atmosphere of unmatched hospitality, convenience, and comfort. It is not merely a place to stay, but a dedicated recreational destination that truly earns its reputation as a "fisherman's paradise" and a tranquil retreat for the whole family.

McLear's offers a diverse range of accommodations, from fully equipped cottages and cozy camping cabins to full-hookup RV and tent sites, ensuring there is a perfect spot for every kind of New York vacationer. The true heart of the property is its prime location on Black Lake, the largest lake in St. Lawrence County, which is renowned throughout the Northeast for its world-class fishing—particularly for black crappie, perch, northern pike, and bass. Beyond the angling, the level waterfront, excellent marina services, and the famous on-site dining at The Fishbone Cafe cement McLear's as a perennial favorite for local users across the Empire State.

Location and Accessibility

McLear's Cottage Colony and Campground is conveniently nestled in the Town of Hammond, New York, offering both seclusion from major highways and easy access to the region's top attractions.

Address: The property is located at 2477 County Rte 6 #2, Hammond, NY 13646, USA. This address places it directly on Black Lake Road (County Route 6), close to the lake's widest and most scenic parts.
Travel from Major NY Hubs: Though located in the peaceful North Country, the campground is accessible via a reasonable drive for many New York residents. It is approximately an hour and a half drive from Syracuse and slightly over two hours from Utica, making it an ideal destination for a week-long escape or a long weekend trip.
Regional Exploration: The resort is strategically located only about 20 minutes from the popular tourist areas of the Thousand Islands, including Alexandria Bay and the St. Lawrence River. This allows guests to easily venture out for sightseeing at iconic landmarks like Boldt Castle before returning to the tranquility of Black Lake.
Immediate Waterfront Access: The property boasts nearly 1,000 feet of level lakefront, ensuring that guests staying in cottages, cabins, or RV sites have immediate, non-hazardous access to the water for swimming, launching, and docking.

Services Offered

McLear's is designed to be a full-service recreation hub, providing all the necessary amenities on-site so that guests can focus entirely on relaxing and enjoying the lake.

Diverse Accommodations: Guests can choose from fully-equipped, clean, and spacious lakefront and non-lakefront cottages, cozy one-room camping cabins (suitable for those who prefer to "rough it" a little less), and a mix of full-hookup RV and tent sites (with electric, water, and sewer available).
Full-Service Marina: The on-site marina features rental docks, a launch ramp for guest boats, and, crucially, the only dockside gasoline pump available on Black Lake, providing essential convenience for boaters and fishermen.
Boat and Motor Rentals: Offering quality rental aluminum boats (14- to 18-foot V-bottom and Semi-V Jon boat styles) with late-model outboard motors (8 hp, 9.9 hp, or 15 hp), ensuring guests have access to reliable equipment for fishing the best spots on the lake.
Retail and Provisions: The well-stocked Camp Store provides convenience groceries, snacks, beverages, and all the fishing essentials, including live bait, tackle, and the purchase of New York State fishing and hunting licenses on site.
On-Site Dining: Home to The Fishbone Cafe, a popular establishment known for its great breakfast and satisfying home-style meals, including the highly-rated homemade corned beef hash and evening dinner specials like the famous Fish Fry. This eliminates the need to leave the property for quality food.
Essential Campground Amenities: Additional services include laundry facilities, a sanitary dump station for RVs, hot showers, and Wi-Fi access (available in the cottages and often throughout the park).

Features / Highlights

The unique draw of McLear's lies in its combination of high-quality fishing resources, family-friendly facilities, and exceptional local service.

Premier Fishing Location: Situated with easy access to the best fishing grounds on Black Lake, which is nationally recognized for its abundant populations of game fish and panfish, particularly during the peak season from May through October 15th.
The Fishbone Cafe Experience: The highly-praised on-site cafe provides a welcoming, communal atmosphere and delicious, large-portioned food. As one customer noted, the homemade corned beef hash is "on point," making the restaurant a key highlight that provides a convenient, tasty dining option for all guests.
Superior Boat & Dock Facilities: With nearly 50 dock slips and the only dockside fuel on the lake, McLear's is a true hub for marine activity. The docks are functional and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth experience for guests bringing their own vessels.
Shallow, Safe Shoreline: The campground area features a shallow, hazard-free shoreline, and a New York State-approved designated swimming area, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for children and families to swim right from the property.
Family-Focused Atmosphere: The establishment’s history and multi-generational ownership foster a friendly, personal environment. Customers often cite the owners as friendly and helpful, contributing to a loyal base of return visitors who have been coming for decades.

Contact Information

To inquire about cottage, cabin, or campsite availability and to make reservations for your Black Lake vacation, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2477 County Rte 6 #2, Hammond, NY 13646, USA
Phone: (315) 375-6508
Mobile Phone: +1 315-375-6508
Reservation Note: Due to high demand, particularly for the clean and spacious cottages, New York locals are strongly advised to book well in advance. While cottages often require early reservations, the campgrounds and camping cabins may have more last-minute availability.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

McLear's Cottage Colony and Campground is ideally suited for New York residents because it represents the ultimate combination of rustic North Country charm and necessary modern convenience. For local anglers, it is the premier destination on Black Lake, offering easy access to the best fishing spots and great boat rentals that "work great," as long-time visitors attest. For families, the clean, spacious accommodations, safe swimming area, and the ease of having a full-service marina and a highly-regarded restaurant on-site remove all the usual vacation stresses.

Its multi-generational history ensures that every guest is treated with genuine, friendly service that makes you feel like family—a refreshing break from the impersonal experience of large chain resorts. McLear's allows New Yorkers to take advantage of the state’s incredible natural resources without sacrificing comfort. Whether you are looking for a week of serious fishing, a cozy cabin retreat, or a spot to park your RV with a lake view, McLear's Cottage Colony provides a complete, unforgettable Black Lake adventure right in your backyard.